A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

JET

12-02-2010, 10:12 AM

Great Post.

island2some

12-02-2010, 01:16 PM

kf...I read this awhile back somewhere, and tears came to my eyes back then.
Thank you for posting these words again, as a owner should read them every now and then to remind ourselves what our pets would say to us if they could talk.
It is painful to hold a beloved pet when they die, and I know when my little chocolate lab, Lady died in my arms 2 years, 5months and 15 days ago, I thought my heart would never heal. The hardest thing I ever did was tell her it was okay "to go"....she was struggling to stay cause she knew my heart was aching so badly. As soon as I told her she could go, her eyes changed colors ( she had beautiful hazel colored eyes) to a dark navy blue, and she began looking straight up to the ceiling. I snuggled her close to me, told her I loved her, and told her "to go on ahead"....I would be along later. She laid her big head in my lap, and died.
I am convinced that either my grandmother (who loved dogs as much as I do) or another one of my beloved pets were there in that moment to help her cross the rainbow bridge.
And yes...I believe that she and I will be reunited in Heaven someday, along with my other critters I have loved and sent on ahead of me.
Thank you again, Kf5wd!!!!

kf5wd

12-04-2010, 12:09 PM

Thank you for that story. I too have held all my pets, dogs and cats when their time came. I would never consider not doing so. In addition I have comforted many shelter animals when it was necessary to put them down. It is never easy but not doing so would haunt me forever.